Nail retaining cutter

ABSTRACT

A nipper type nail cutter for manicuring purposes utilizing a sheath of flexible material in which the spring elements of the cutter are encased, and the open end of the sheath being exposed adjacent the cutting edges during use wherein nail clippings severed by the cutting edges are received within the confines of the sheath and maintained therein until removed and the cutter may be retracted into the sheath to shield the cutting edges during carrying.

O Unlted States Patent 11 1 1 1 3,918,156

Merriman [45] Nov. 11, 1975 NAIL RETAINING CUTTER 0202.858 11/1965 Bliss 30/142 [76] Inventor: Henry H. Merriman, 751 W.

Washington Ave" Jackson, Mich Primary E.\'aminerAl Lawrence Smith 49203 Assistant Examiner-Roscoe V. Parker, Jr. [22] Filed: Jan 21 1974 Altar/1e Agent, or F1'rn1Beaman and Beaman [21] App]. NO.Z 435,278 ABSTRACT A nipper type nail cutter for manicuring purposes uti- [52] US. Cl 30/151 hzing a Sheath of flexible material i hi h h Spring [51] Int. Cl: A45D 29/20 elements of the Cutter are encased, and the Open end [58] held of Search 30/281 15 L of the sheath being exposed adjacent the cutting edges 30/123 162; W141 R during use wherein nail clippings severed by the cutting edges are received within the confines of the [56] References and sheath and maintained therein until removed and the UNITED STATES PATENTS cutter may be retracted into the sheath to shield the 2.632947 3/1953 Hunt et al 30/28 Cutting edges during Carrying- 2.887.773 5/1959 Killen..... 30/28 3.180.025 4/1965 Tsunemi 30/28 7 Draw'ng Fgures US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 My)? C 4 n .w m m m m 6 r0 m G Mi J NAIL RETAINING CUTTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to personal care apparatus of the manicuring type for toenails and fingernails wherein a nipper type nail cutter utilizes clipping retaining means.

The manicuring of fingernails and toenails has long been accomplished by nipper type cutters wherein a pair of spring element cutters are interconnected at one end, and have cutting edges defined at the other end which are operated by a post mounted lever. Such implements are widely used for manicuring purposes, but as the nippers as presently available do not retain the nail cuttings, use of this type of device requires that the nails be cut over a sink, toilet. or waste receptacle, and without such a receiving receptacle the nail clippings become widely scattered. Further, as the clippings are severed from the nail by a shearing operation the clippings often have a significant velocity imparted thereto by the cutting action tending to project the clippings a substantial distance from the implement rendering retrieval of the clippings difficult.

A number of nail clipping retainer devices have been proposed for nipper type cutters as evidenced by US. Pat. Nos. 2,179,435; 2,829,433; 2,887,773; 3,013,334 and 3,188,737. However, for various resons these patented devices have not been commercially acceptable, and to the inventors knowledge manicuring devices of the nipper type presently available on the retail market are devoid of nail clipping retaining means.

Nail clipping retaining means of the type shown in the aforementioned patents are expensive to manufacture, or add a bulk, weight, and inconvenience to the clipper which makes their use objectionable. Further,

as manicuring implements of nipper type are often carried in the pocket or purse, it is important that they be of a concise configuration and many nail clipping retainer devices of the known construction add to the size and weight of the cutter detracting from the portability and handling thereof. Further, known retainers of the pocket or sheath type as shown in US. Pat. No. 2,877,773, do not permit shielding of the cutting edges, as is desirable to prevent pocket wear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a nail retaining cutter of the nipper type used for manicuring fingernails and toenails wherein the operating components of the cutter are of a conventional construction, and the clipping retainer apparatus is attractive, economical to produce, augments usage of the clipper, and effectively retains the nail clippings for disposal when desired.

It is a further purpose of the invention to provide a nail retaining cutter received within a sheath having an open end wherein the cutter is extended from the sheath slightly during use to provide ready access to the cutting edges and is retractable into the sheath during carrying to protect the pocket or purse from the cutting edges.

An additional object of the invention is to provide the operating lever of a nail cutter with a covering which facilitates use of the cutter and also enhances the appearance.

In the practice of the invention a nail clipper utilizing a pair of superimposed elongated spring elements interconnected at one end and provided with cutting edges at the other end is utilized. A post extending through the spring elements adjacent the cutting edges supports an operating lever which permits the cutting edges to be moved toward each other during the nail clipping operation. A sheath of flexible material defining a pocket receiving the interconnected end of the spring elements encompasses the spring elements andhas an open end which is located adjacent the cutting edges. Thus, the sheath encloses the space between the cutter spring elements, and effectively retains clippings within the sheath and between the cutter spring elements immediately upon the clippings being severed from the nail.

The sheath is recessed adjacent its open end toprovide clearance for the clipper post and the fulcrum of the operating lever and is also recessed for nail clearance and access purposes. In the disclosed embodiment the sheath is formed of a folded sheath material sewn along its lateral edges, and the exterior surface of the sheath is embossed to improve its frictional handling characteristics and imparting a pleasing feel to the sheath.

The length of the pocket is greater than the length of the cutter whereby the cutter may slide within the sheath pocket for exposing and retracting the cutting edges and the material of the sheath has a frictional characteristic which permits such sliding of the cutter, but retains the cutter in its desired position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The aforementioned objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a top view of a nail retainer cutter in accord with the invention illustrating the cutter operating lever disposed adjacent the sheath,

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view as taken from the right of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view as taken from the left of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a side, elevational view of the cutter in accord with the invention,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view as taken along section V-V of FIG. 1, illustrating the operating lever in the elevated condition,

FIG. 6 is a top view of the sheath alone, and

FIG. 7 is a front, elevational view of the sheath as taken from the right of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The form and configuration of the nipper type cutter employed in the practice of the invention is best appreciated from FIG. 5. The cutter includes a pair of superimposed elongated spring cutting elements 10 each having an end region 12 and an end region 14. The end regions 12 of the elements 10 are interconnected, such as by spot welding, and the configuration of the spring elements is such that the end regions 14 tend to be biased away from each other to an open condition as illustrated in FIG. 5. The end 14 is ground to define cutting edges 16, and the cutting edges may be ground concave for use in manicuring fingernails, or convex, as illustrated, as are used to manicure toenails.

Aligned holes are defined in the elements 10 adjacent the cutting edges through which the post 18 extends.

The post 18 is provided with a head 20, and an enlarged notch 22 which pivotally receives an end of the operating lever 24. The lever 24 includes a handle portion 26,

offset to facilitate handling, and a fulcrum boss 28 extends downwardly for bearing upon the upper element 10. The post 18 is capable of rotation whereby the post may be rotated 180 with respect to the position shown in FIGS and the handle 26 may then be lowered to the position of FIG. 4 adjacent the upper spring element for ease of handling and carrying purposes.

The aforedescribed cutter'componentsare of a conventionalnature well known in the art as described in U.S. Pat. No'. 2,664,624.

The spring elements 10 are encased within a flexible sheath 30. The sheath is formed of a thin flexible material, such as vinyl, leather, fabric, etc., and is of an elongated configuration having a closed end 32 and an open end 34. The sheath 30 includes lateral edges 36, and as shown in FIG. 7, the sheath includes an upper side38, and a lower side 40. In the disclosed embodiment the sheath is formed of sheet material sewn at seam 42 wherein an elongated pocket 44 is defined which receives the spring elements.

The depth of the pocket 44'is greater than the length of the spring elements 10 such that the cutting edges 16 can be retracted into the pocket 44 past the open end 34. The sheath side 38 includes a recess 46 defined in the sheath side at the open end 34 which receives the post 18, and permits the fulcrum 28 to directly engage the upper cutter spring element 10. Also the sheath side 40 is recessed at 48 adjacent end 34 to aid in providing clearance during use.

The width of the pocket 44 defined by the sheath is such that the sheath firmly fits upon the spring elements 10. Preferably, the material of the sheath is such that it stretches slightly to frictionally engage the spring elements and is thus firmly maintained upon the elements when the cutter is retracted into the pocket, or is extended for use. As apparent in FIGS. 4 and the flexible nature of the sheath permits the sheath to conform to the configuration of the spring elements. The exterior surface of the sheath is preferably of a frictional nature withrespect to the spring elements so that the nipper will stay within its adjusted position within the sheath pocket. The combination of the flexible gripping of the elements by the sheath and the frictional nature of the sheath interior surface insures that the nipper will be maintained in either the retracted or extended position. I

Further, it is desirable that the sheath be of an exterior texture which is pleasing to handle and improves the frictional characteristics of handling the cutter. In a commercial embodiment of the invention the sheath is formed of a vinyl material having an embossed exterior surface which is esthetically pleasing and soft to the feel, while the embossed surface provides excellent frictional characteristics with the users fingers. Also, vinyl material effectively frictionally grips the cutter elements 10. Of course, the sheath 30 may be formed of various colors adding an esthetic dimension to manicuring devices of this type previously not possible. Previous manicure cutters of the nipper type are normally bright plated and very smooth to the touch having low frictional characteristics. The presence of the sheath upon the spring elements 10 improves the handling of the cutter, yet as the sheath only adds slightly to the width and length of the spring elements; the size and handling of the cutter is not seriously affected.

During nonuse when the implement is stored, or carried in the pocket or purse, the post 18 will be pivoted such that the handle 26 is disposed adjacent the sheath shown in FlGS. 1 through 4, and the cutter will be pushed back into the pocket 44 so that the cutting q edges 16 are inwardly of the open end 34. Thus, the cutting edges cannot cause wear or snag on the pocket or purse. When it is desired to manicure the nails the handle 26 is lifted from the sheath andthe handle and post are rotated to the position of FIG. 5. Prior to cutting, the cutter is slid outwardly within the pocket 44 until the cutting edges l6are slightly beyond the sheath end 34, as in FIG. 5, and as so positioned the nails may readily be placed between the cutting edges as they are easily accessible. As the nails are clipped by the operation of the lever 24 the severed clippings pop into the spacing between the spring elements, 10. 7

toward the post 18. As the sheath 30 encloses the spacing between the spring elements 10 the nail clippings are retained therein during normal use of the cutter wherein the cutter is held in a substantially horizontal manner. The fact that the edge opening 34 of the sheath is disposed adjacent the cutting edges 16 insures The sheath 30 may be very economically manufac? i tured by a cutting and sewing process, as in the dis-.

closed embodiment, or the sheath could be molded of a flexible plastic material or the. like. Use of the invention permits the manicuring of nails in a very efficient an nonobjectionable manner as the clippings are all retained within the implement and do not become scattered debris, as is the usual case.

Frictional engagementof the thumb with the handle 26 is improved by slipping the handle cover 50 overthe end of the handle 26. The cover 50 is preferably formed of the same frictional material as the sheath .30 and consists of a pair of sheets of material sewn together to form a pocket to receive the end of the han dle. The simultaneous use of the sheath 30 and cover 50 significantly improves the ease of handling of the cutter which is particularly important to the elderly and arthritic, and also improves the overall appearance of through said elements adjacent said second ends, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said post and having a fulcrum engaging one of said elements for forcing said second ends and said cutting edges toward each other, and an elongated sheath formed of flexible material of a closed configuration throughout its length and of a continuous transverse periphery defined by said flexible material defining a pocket closely and frictionally receiving said elements along the length and lateral edges thereof, said material having a relatively high coefficient of friction with respect to said elements, said sheath having a closed end adjacent said elements first end and having an open end located adjacent said cutting edges defined by sheath edges, a recess defined in said sheath intersecting a sheath edge receiving said post, said sheath pocket having a length greater than the length of said elements, said nipper being longitudinally slidable within said pocket to retract said cutting edges with respect to said open end sheath edges to a non-cutting position and extend said cutting edges adjacent said sheath edges to a cutting position, said sheath frictionally engaging said elements to selectively maintain the longitudinal position of said nipper within said sheath pocket.

2. In a fingernail clipping retaining cutter as in claim 1 wherein the exterior surface of said sheath is provided with friction producing means.

3. In a fingernail clipping retaining cutter as in claim 2 wherein said friction producing means comprises embossing defined on the exterior surface of said sheath.

4. In a fingernail clipping retaining cutter as in claim 2, a cover mounted upon said operating lever, and a friction surface defined upon said cover.

l l l 

1. A fingernail clipping retaining cutter comprising, in combination, a nipper including a pair of elongated superimposed spring cutting elements having first and second ends adjacently disposed relative to each other and having lateral edges, means affixing said elements together adjacent said first end, said second ends being biased away from each other, cooperating cutting edges defined on said second ends, a post extending through said elements adjacent said second ends, an operating lever pivotally mounted on said post and having a fulcrum engaging one of said elements for forcing said second ends and said cutting edges toward each other, and an elongated sheath formed of flexible material of a closed configuration throughout its length and of a continuous transverse periphery defined by said flexible material defining a pocket closely and frictionally receiving said elements along the length and lateral edges thereof, said material having a relatively high coefficient of friction with respect to said elements, said sheath having a closed end adjacent said elements'' first end and having an open end located adjacent said cutting edges defined by sheath edges, a recess defined in said sheath intersecting a sheath edge receiving said post, said sheath pocket having a length greater than the length of said elements, said nipper being longitudinally slidable within said pocket to retract said cutting edges with respect to said open end sheath edges to a non-cutting position and extend said cutting edges adjacent said sheath edges to a cutting position, said sheath frictionally engaging said elements to selectively maintain the longitudinal position of said nipper within said sheath pocket.
 2. In a fingernail clipping retaining cutter as in claim 1 wherein the exterior surface of said sheath is provided with friction producing means.
 3. In a fingernail clipping retaining cutter as in claim 2 wherein said friction producing means comprises embossing defined on the exterior surface of said sheath.
 4. In a fingernail clipping retaining cutter as in claim 2, a cover mounted upon said operating lever, and a friction surface defined upon said cover. 